“You need some good news in your paper. All you ever report is the bad news.” Occasionally, we’ll receive such a comment from a caller to The Garden Island. The media is only interested in the sensational, the negative, the
“You need some good news in your paper. All you ever report is the bad news.”
Occasionally, we’ll receive such a comment from a caller to The Garden Island. The media is only interested in the sensational, the negative, the dramatic, we’re told. When good things happen, you don’t mention it, they say, because it doesn’t sell papers.
Well, lately we’ve been overflowing with what anyone would call good news, and there are plenty of kudos that need to be given out.
Let’s start with:
• Pam Dohrman was found alive Monday on the Kaluapuhi Trail in Kokee and was said to be in good condition. The 72-year-old had been missing since Saturday afternoon.
Two things to point out. One, this is a testament to Pam’s mental and physical resolve. A friend of hers said Monday she is one tough lady. Amazing she survived two nights out there. Praise goes out to those involved in the search. No one gave up. Well done and thank you to everyone who gave their time to help find Pam and bring her home safe.
• The 35th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk in Li‘hue on Saturday raised $200,000. The money goes to nonprofits on Kaua‘i and benefits the lives of those who most need it.
Cheers to chairwoman Stephanie Kaluahine for leading the charge on this one, and to Sandi Kato-Klutke. In her 35 years of being involved with the event, she has helped raise more than $3 million. That’s an example of one person making a big difference.
• The American Cancer Society Relay for Life raised more than $120,000 last month. Some 50 teams were involved in the all-night event. Talk about spirit, the Relay had it.
• Five-day centennial celebration and rededication of the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse. Thousands of people took in the free lighthouse tours, and hundreds came out for the official recognition and renaming of the lighthouse, capped by the relighting of the lighthouse beacon. It was a proud moment that will always be treasured by those who were there.
• Neighbor saves boy from dog. Earlier this month, Waldo Contrades rushed out of his Wailua home to rescue 8-year-old Jeremiah Dela Cruz from a Rottweiler that attacked the boy. Contrades’ courage must be commended. He put himself in danger to help another. Not many are willing to do that.
• The Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center receives a legislative appropriation of $1.5 million, with Gov. Neil Abercrombie signing the giant symbolic check. The center was hailed as a “collection of heritages” and promises to be a place for the entire community.
• Around 200 graduate from Kaua‘i Community College on Friday. Congratulations to the grads for their dedication and hard work. Your future is bright. Your family, your friends and your community are proud of you.
Well, there is it. Good news is abundance. Whew. And all that is just in the past few weeks. We’re glad to share it and even sell some papers too.
